Lest we forget…
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is a sort of guide book on how to live like a yogi, kind of a map for a meaningful and purposeful life. In a very basic outline, this yogic philosophy manual has eight components or limbs we are to follow. The first of these limbs is the yamas, the ethical guidelines, and the first one is Ahimsa, the practice of non-violence.
I’ve been thinking about this as the poppies are beginning to appear here in Ottawa and across the country. It may seem a bit irreconcilable believing in both Ahimsa, and Remembrance Day. How does the peace and grooviness of yoga mesh with the violence of war?
Well, fellow yogis, there are many things I do not know, trust me, many. But this I do, we can speak about and practice any yogic, or other philosophy we want, because of the Canadian Armed Forces. We can practice Ahimsa, non-violence, because of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for ours. We can wear a t-shirt that says “I hate war” because our brave military have volunteered to go whenever there is one.
I also know that behind every soldier, sailor and airman, there is a family. I’m lucky; I married my soldier after he had taken off the uniform for good. I never had to watch him leave for a tour, never had to imagine all the horrific things spouses imagine while reassuring their children it will all be fine. And I selfishly hope to never have to feel the intense mix of pride and fear parents must feel when they see their own child in uniform. I have the utmost respect for every one of you that do.
This month, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, let us honour them, all of them, with gratitude; there is nothing more yogic than that.
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Amen to that sister. Amen.
Namaste Christine. Thank you!
Thank you Cara-Lynne,
Sometimes we don’t realize the sacrifices these men and women and their families make. You said it so well.
Thank you Marie. And you are right, they make real sacrifices every day, often ones we don’t even realize. Namaste, Cara-Lynne
We all have family in the military,and we shutter every time one leaves the peace of Canada.but we would not have our freedom to protest and try too stop the violence if it was not for their sacrifice. May we thank god for the peacekeepers.
Well said Brenda. Namaste, Cara-Lynne
So well said, Cara-Lynne! We owe them all so much gratitude. Thank you to you for your wonderful ” Beyond Words”. I always enjoy reading your thoughts.
Well, thank you Diane, I truly appreciate that.
Well written Cara-Lynne. Our family has shared many tearful goodbyes but, luckily we have also shared the welcome homes!
Thank you Sharel, on every level. It was families exactly like yours that I was thinking of when I wrote this.
Namaste,
Cara-Lynne
Thank You Cara-Lynne
I will honour all of them especially thinking of Uncle Allie
Thank you for your comment Jean. Namaste, Cara-Lynne